David Downes: Co Antrim players have 'added pressure' to retain Junior title at SuperCupNI - but that's perfect for their development in the game

The holders found themselves 1-0 down when Oisin Sweeney headed in for Tyrone.

However, Antrim scored with pretty much the last kick of the first half when Cuan Carmichael steered home from Riley McCreery’s cross.

Antrim then used that late momentum into the second half as they took the lead through Keagan O’Connor’s clever touch and finish.

But the day belonged to the aforementioned McCreery as he scored not one – but two – world class strikes to put Antrim 4-1 ahead.

To their credit, Tyrone kept going and grabbed a consolation goal near the end when Reuben Allen tapped in.

Antrim won the Junior title after a dramatic win against Co Armagh 12 months ago and Downes says confidence is high within the camp that they can go back-to-back.

When asked if last year’s success has been spoken about, Downes replied: “Of course it has...why wouldn't it?

"We'll always be very proud of that and that's why we've got the four stars on the badge.

"We changed how the badge looks like and put them stars on and that's out of respect for the people have won it before us.

“Obviously with us winning it again last year, there's some added pressure because they want to do what their mates have done.

"There's some of the guys that were playing last year that won it in the Premier Section this time around, so there's been a bit of stick back at the hotel.

"So there is a bit of added pressure in that but that's what them boys should be under.

"If they want to make it in the game and make it at the highest level they can, they've got to handle those pressures.”

Antrim’s group also contains Blackburn Rovers and Celtic, with Downes’ boys excited at the prospect of playing the two clubs pn Tuesday and Wednesday.

"I mean, what an experience for players to be able to play against teams and academies like that,” he added.

"They can only develop and get better by playing against teams of that calibre.

"Today, I think we'll do a bit of reflection, we'll analyse it a bit and see where we go on Tuesday, but one game at a time.

“There's a few Celtic supporters in the team as well...so Wednesday can't come quick enough but we've got to look after Tuesday first against Blackburn.

"Hopefully, we can come out and give what we did in the second half today, and hopefully, the boys can have a bit more belief in themselves to go out and play like they can play.”

McCreery’s two goals are set for the end-of-tournament highlight reel and Downes shared how the talented youngster has that in the locker.

He explained: “He’s an absolute quality player and probably one of the best strikers of the ball I've ever seen.”